🍨🍨 Sweet Summer Nights: "Double Scoop" and More To Savor

( images via: Hallmark Media - click to enlarge
edit via: itsawonderfulmovie.com )

Happy Weekend, Friends!

Are you ready for two scoops of romance?🍨🍨

This weekend is serving up the sweetest *Summer Nights* treat on the Hallmark Channel with the premiere of “Double Scoop,” starring Taylor Cole and Ryan McPartlin. This ice cream-inspired romance is sure to melt hearts!

Plus, what a treat to have Chonda Pierce (Roll With It), Elisa Donovan (Clueless), Jacklyn Collier (The Engagement Plot), and Patrick Muldoon (A Boyfriend for Christmas) also in the cast!

(By the way, in case you didn't know, Chonda Pierce is a Christian comedienne; I've seen her performance in person and she is fabulous!!! She's hilarious and so down-to-earth. Her testimony and joy for Jesus truly touched my heart! I can't wait to see her role in “Double Scoop”!)

And for your second scoop of romance this weekend... it’s time to say “cheese” with the Great American Family network premiere of “As Gouda As It Gets”!

It’s a double helping of delicious-themed fun movies!

See all of the details below...


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Saturday, August 23rd, 2025:

Double Scoop

Storyline: Nora discovers the best ice cream and hopes to land them as a client. Her sweet dreams hit a snag when her former colleague James has the same idea. Old sparks begin to melt the frosty tension.

Double Scoop

Premieres Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, August 23rd, 2025:

As Gouda as it Gets

Storyline: Brie Belanger is the maître fromager and owner of Brie’s Cheese, a cute artisan cheese shop located in picturesque Vermont. Looking to boost her business presence and sales, the town’s annual Cheese Festival arrives just in time with a $50,000 first-place prize. Up against her biggest competitor, Brie’s vintage smoked gouda is considered a frontrunner-so much so that Jacob Wolfe, a former chef and influential cheese blogger, approaches about profiling her delectable creation, leading their friendship to take a turn for romance. Complications arise when Matt Lambert, the handsome and charismatic new CEO of Lambert Farms (and Brie’s largest competitor) starts to show his interest in acquiring her shop. Racing against the clock and a disastrous power failure, Brie and Jacob must recreate a prize-worthy entry if she has any hope of keeping her shop and potentially winning more than she initially hoped for.

As Gouda as it Gets

Premieres Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🎬 "I'm glad that I recorded it. Happily, what was missing was the bickering as in Christmas on the Menu. That was nice to see and with no back story to overcome." ~Namegirl

🎬 I saw "As Gouda as it Gets" when it first premiered on BYU in 2021. I remember it being lighthearted and family-friendly, and since it was Kim Shaw and Clayton James' second movie together, they had good chemistry. ~Net

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Weekend thoughts...

For those of you on the East Coast, my heart and prayers are with you as you’ve endured the effects of Hurricane Erin. While I am grateful to hear this storm was not as severe as some in the past, I know it still brought uncertainty, flooding, and damage. May the Lord continue to watch over you and provide safety.

I'm wishing everyone a peaceful, joyful weekend. May the new movies bring comfort to you all, and perhaps you can also enjoy a simple treat, like a scoop of ice cream, to make your movie night a little sweeter!!!🍨🍦

If you’d like to share your thoughts or a review after watching either movie, please feel free to share in the comments below... I always love hearing from you!

By the way, in case you missed it, you can see my take on As Gouda as it Gets and my sweet friend Namegirl shared a movie review - both posted above, under the movie's info.

And if you missed the premiere of Mystery Island: Play for Keeps last week on the Hallmark Channel, you can catch it's premiere Friday night, August 22nd on Hallmark Mystery at 8pm/7c. and another encore Sunday, August 24th at 6pm/5c.🔎🔎

Paula (who is also a great friend and contributor here at It's a Wonderful Movie) recently shared this review with us... “Mystery Island Play for Keeps” - surprisingly I really enjoyed it! The others were not bad, they just fell flat for me, like I kinda got lost and didn’t pay as much attention as I normally do…. **spoiler alert*** This one however kept my attention with the mystery cheating suspicions and how she seemed to have a spark with her ex fiancé. I still didn’t guess the killer at the end though Lol" ~Paula

Happy Movie-Watching, Everyone!

Blessings to you all,

Net

☀SHINING HIS LIGHT:☀

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; 

blessed is the one 

who takes refuge in him.”

– Psalm 34:8

Great American Family's August 2025 Movie Lineup

Great American Family has revealed the complete lineup of movies scheduled to air on Saturdays at 8pm/7c. throughout August.

While these films are new to GAF, all but one have previously aired on BYUtv, and all four have been available for streaming.

I’ve had the opportunity to watch the first three and can say they’re warm, lighthearted, and truly enjoyable. The standout for me was A Thread to Your Heart (formerly A Love Yarn). It's such a charming, heartfelt story.

See below for more details about this film and the others coming to GAF this August...

One of a Kind Love

Starring: Jocelyn Hudon and Jake Manley
(real-life married couple)

Premiere Date: Saturday, August 9 at 8/7c

Storyline: Kyra’s dreams of being a jeweler have been put on the backburner, as her demanding job at the Sawyer Country Club is her priority. When a vacant shop becomes available in town, Kyra sees an opportunity to put a plan into action, until she learns that there’s another renter interested in the space. Enter Aiden Sawyer, prodigal son, big-city business magnate and Kyra’s childhood nemesis, returning home to the country club his parents own. As they patch up their past, Kyra and Aiden learn that there may be something more between them than just playful flirting. But when Kyra enters a renowned jewelry contest to raise enough money to outbid the mystery renter, Aiden finds himself in a race against time to make everything right.

Movie Reviews:

🎬 One of a Kind Love is a simple, sweet, family-friendly movie. The film stars Jocelyn Hudon, who is recognizable to Hallmark fans from When Hope Calls, From Friend to Fiancé, and Baby, It’s Cold Inside. Jocelyn portrays the very likable girl-next-door sort of character, Kyra, who dreams of being a jewelry designer and owning her own shop in town. In the meantime, she works at the local country club and sells her jewelry designs in her father’s antique shop. Just as she’s about to make plans to acquire the space for her own store, the son of the country club owners, Aidan, who is a wealthy business man used to traveling around the world and making deals by the minute, returns home and makes his own bid on the property and begins to steal Kyra’s heart, as well. Can they work it out before it’s too late? I think you’ll enjoy this happy ending. ~Net

🎬 I watched several of the new movies you told us about on BYUtv, Net. One of a Kind Love, Seasoned with Love, and You May Kiss the Bridesmaid all completely charmed me! Somehow, for me, they were more real and natural and engrossing. Glad to know I'm not just broken and unable to enjoy our wonderful, pleasant, cheesy movies anymore! ;-) ~Alicia

🎬 One of a kind Love is really sweet. -Maria



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A Thread to Your Heart

Also Known As: A Love Yarn

Starring: Anna Hutchinson and Simon Arblaster

Premiere Date: Saturday, August 16 at 8/7c

Storyline: The owner of a quaint New Zealand yarn shop, Sophie Dale, gets her world flipped upside down after learning her top supplier of yarn, King Farms, is stopping production. Much to her surprise, the charming yet stuck-in-his-ways Samuel King has traveled all the way from New York to audit the business model of the farm. Desperate to keep her shop going, Sophie convinces Samuel to give her two weeks to learn the ropes of yarn spinning and raise enough money to buy the mill herself. With Samuel’s help, Sophie comes up with a fundraising plan to host a “knit-off” and auction at the local makers market. However, when the two weeks come to an end Sophie finds herself at the crossroads of business and romance. Could she have misinterpreted Samuels growing romantic interest in her as just business all along?

Movie Reviews:

🎬 The setting of this story is in New Zealand - and the countryside there is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking! The owner of the local yarn shop, Sophie, is quite likeable; she's an American who inherited the shop from her late Grandmother. Sophie brings many people of the town together to knit and enjoy time sharing, along with her best friend, Rose, who is a lot of fun. Everything seems tranquil for Sophie, until she knits a sweater for her boyfriend, Chris. Everyone in the knitting group teases that "it's the curse of the knitted sweater" and they predict in a joking way that she and Chris will surely break up. They actually do, but Sophie has more important things to worry about - she must save the local mill where she gets her yarn and convince the owner's handsome son, Samuel King, who is visiting from New York, to sell it to her before he leaves. The lambs in the movie are all sooo adorable - you'll instantly fall in love with them. At times, the movie can be a bit predictable and cheesy, but it's still a sweet family friendly story, and I personally enjoyed watching it. Even the knitted sweater gets redemption in the end. If you know someone who likes knitting, then this is most definitely THE MOVIE for them. ~Net

🎬 A Thread to your Heart is the absolute sweetest movie! How did I miss this before? Would love to see more of these actors on Great American Family. -Christie

🎬 We really enjoyed A Thread to Your Heart. One of the better movies we’ve seen in awhile. It was nice to see some different actors for once who were actually good. -Robert

🎬 I watched A Thread to Your Heart last night, and it was really cute! The setting is beautiful, the lambs are adorable, and the leads had great chemistry. I also loved the side characters. They had a lot of personality, especially the best friend/shop assistant. Is it realistic to make a living running a knitting store? Doubtful. But it isn't the craziest profession I've ever seen in a rom-com! Overall, a really sweet movie. ~melnewlife

🎬 Be sure and complete a review on the GAF website. I sent in my review and told GAF that I think A Thread to Your Heart is the best acquired movie I have watched on GAF! I was definitely not expecting to enjoy it so much! I would love to see the two leads star together in a Christmas movie for GAF. They were great together! If anyone hasn't watched it yet, check the GAF schedule for upcoming dates or watch it on Pure Flix. I really think everyone on this site will enjoy watching it! -Gena

🎬 I watched Thread to Your Heart, and wow, you were all so right! It’s such a gem. The setting was breathtaking, the couple had amazing chemistry, and it was just ridiculously cute from start to finish. And the lambs?! Don’t even get me started. I had no idea New Zealand was that stunning. ~Allie B


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As Gouda as it Gets

Starring: Kim Shaw and Clayton James

Premiere Date: Saturday, August 23rd, at 8pm/7c.

Storyline: Brie Belanger is the maître fromager and owner of Brie’s Cheese, a cute artisan cheese shop located in picturesque Vermont. Looking to boost her business presence and sales, the town’s annual Cheese Festival arrives just in time with a $50,000 first-place prize. Up against her biggest competitor, Brie’s vintage smoked gouda is considered a frontrunner-so much so that Jacob Wolfe, a former chef and influential cheese blogger, approaches about profiling her delectable creation, leading their friendship to take a turn for romance. Complications arise when Matt Lambert, the handsome and charismatic new CEO of Lambert Farms (and Brie’s largest competitor) starts to show his interest in acquiring her shop. Racing against the clock and a disastrous power failure, Brie and Jacob must recreate a prize-worthy entry if she has any hope of keeping her shop and potentially winning more than she initially hoped for.

Movie Reviews:

🎬 I'm glad that I recorded it. Happily, what was missing was the bickering as in Christmas on the Menu. That was nice to see and with no back story to overcome. ~Namegirl

🎬 I also watched "As Gouda as it gets" and just loved this one as well! The leads were great, and their Chemistry was very good as well! It is family friendly, and it was just a joy to watch! ~Sarah



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TV Series: Crossroad Springs

Starring: Jonathan Stoddard, Emily Alatalo, Shaun Johnston, Kate Drummond, Brittany Underwood, Jesse Hutch, Jon McLaren, Erin Agostino, and Franco Lo Presti

Premiere Date: Saturday, August 30th, at 8pm/7c.

Storyline: “Crossroad Springs” follows the Hamilton family, adult siblings James (Stoddard) and Janet (Alatalo), their aging family members, dad, Willis (Johnston), and Aunt Amy (Drummond), who are eking out a living on Hamilton Ranch with financial hardships and staffing shortages. James, a pastor in Chicago, and Janet, an ER doctor in a neighboring town, feel called to return home to help the family. Once there, the siblings encounter the son of the owner of the neighboring farm, Daniel Newman (Hutch), who are all wary of each other due to a generational feud between the families. As he settles into his new day-to-day life on the farm, James begins to realize there are no places to worship on the thousands of acres of farms. There, in the environment of come-as-you-are vibes, barns, rodeo arenas, even outdoors under clear night skies, James starts a cowboy church right there in the place where faith, family, and ranch life go hand in hand.

Reviews:

🎬 “Crossroad Springs” is such a heartwarming look at life on a family ranch. You really feel the love, hard work, and sense of community. It was comforting to watch the characters face challenges and lean on each other. Episode one does a wonderful job of introducing us to the Hamilton family, those in their community, and their neighbor/rival, Daniel Newman. (By the way, Jesse Hutch plays the character very well!) I loved all of the little touches of faith, and I’m looking forward to the next episode! -Net

🎬 I have watched the first episode last night of "Crossroad Springs" and just really enjoyed the introduction to these characters! I loved all the actors and it already seems like they have great chemistry together, can't wait to see what happens with this Show! ~Sarah

🎬 Crossroad springs is beautiful! –Maria

🎬 Crossroads Springs has an enjoyable storyline that may prove to be a wonderful series. Jesse Hutch is great. -Gabe’s Mom

🎬 Watched the first episode of Crossroad Springs. Was a little hard to follow at first but it gets better as the story evolves. Can't wait to see what Daniel Newman (Jesse Hutch) is up to. Don't like him playing the bad guy, but you're right Net...he does an excellent job in the role! This is going to be a great series and the best part, we don't have to worry about the content! ~ Joyce in Carolina

🎬 We liked Crossroad Springs. Great show, so far. Christie

🎬 I also really enjoyed Crossroad Springs, as I expected to. Love seeing those actors and the peace of watching GAF and knowing oit is going to be clean and wholesome. The acting was really good too. ~LR



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The Wedding Arrangement

Starring: Kristina Cole Geddes and Cody Griffis

Premiere Date: Saturday, August 30th, at 9pm/8c.

Storyline: When botanist Violet needs help with a wedding floral arrangement, nature photographer Jack comes to save the day as they bond over a mythical plant.

Movie Review:

💐The Wedding Arrangement - (streamed on PureFlix) - The lead characters, Violet and Jack, are down-to-earth and likeable. Their chemistry was sweet, but low-key. They’ve known each other since they were children. Violet now runs her grandmother’s flower shop, while Jack helps his grandfather sell flowers at the local market.

Much of the story centers on Violet’s biggest clients, an influencer couple who come across as more obnoxious than funny, as they plan their wedding. Their scenes felt very cheesy and over-the-top. It was truly satisfying when Violet later dubs them “couple-zilla.”

The floral arrangements throughout the film are lovely, though oddly, the wedding flowers near the end of the movie, the most important ones, fall flat. And yes, there is a bit of an issue with the flowers, but everyone still acts as if they are stunning. Even the bride and groom, who were previously obsessed with everything being perfect, thought they were fabulous.

There's also a subplot involving a rare mythical flower known as the Youtan. Violet and Jack mention that this magical flower is only referenced in Buddhist scriptures. To be honest, it's not something I've ever heard of or had any interest in. Jack encourages Violet to leave her shop and travel overseas to find this rare flower.

Overall, “The Wedding Arrangement” is a family-friendly film, and Kristina Cole, who played Violet, is a lovely actress, though her wardrobe choice in the final scene, a very low-cut dress, felt rather distracting. The ending itself left me underwhelmed, making this a one-time watch for me. ~Net

💐The Wedding Arrangement is family friendly about sparks fly between a botanist named Violet Markey & a nature photographer named Jack Walker as they work together to prepare flower arrangements for wedding. Violet offers Norman Walker a job at her shop to make room for Stem by Norman. Jack & Violet visit Dr. Rose de Cruz is a former botanist in Springfield ~Anonymous


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If you've not seen these movies yet, I hope you'll enjoy them when they air on Great American Family this August.

Happy movie-watching,

Net

GAF Adds Two Movie Premieres to Their August Lineup

Great American Family just added two movies to their August schedule.

First up, is As Gouda as it Gets - starring Kim Shaw and Clayton James. The movie is set to air Saturday, August 23rd, at 8pm/7c.

This movie has been seen on various streaming services and BYUtv.

Storyline: Brie Belanger is the maître fromager and owner of Brie’s Cheese, a cute artisan cheese shop located in picturesque Vermont. Looking to boost her business presence and sales, the town’s annual Cheese Festival arrives just in time with a $50,000 first-place prize. Up against her biggest competitor, Brie’s vintage smoked gouda is considered a frontrunner-so much so that Jacob Wolfe, a former chef and influential cheese blogger, approaches about profiling her delectable creation, leading their friendship to take a turn for romance. Complications arise when Matt Lambert, the handsome and charismatic new CEO of Lambert Farms (and Brie’s largest competitor) starts to show his interest in acquiring her shop. Racing against the clock and a disastrous power failure, Brie and Jacob must recreate a prize-worthy entry if she has any hope of keeping her shop and potentially winning more than she initially hoped for.

Here's a review that was shared from a great It's a Wonderful Movie friend:

Movie Review:

"I'm glad that I recorded it. Happily, what was missing was the bickering as in Christmas on the Menu. That was nice to see and with no back story to overcome." ~Namegirl

(Note: Namegirl referred to the Lifetime movie, Christmas on the Menu, since Kim Shaw and Clayton James also starred in that holiday film together.)

The second film airing in August on Great American Family is The Wedding Arrangement, starring Kristina Cole Geddes and Cody Griffis.

The movie will air Saturday, August 30th, at 8pm/7c. on GAF and is currently streaming on PureFlix.

Storyline: When botanist Violet needs help with a wedding floral arrangement, nature photographer Jack comes to save the day as they bond over a mythical plant.

And, of course, the new series "Crossroad Springs" will begin airing at the end of August, on Sunday, the 31st.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Net

As Gouda As It Gets - Starring Kim Shaw and Clayton James on BYUtv! SEE HERE:

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: As Gouda As It Gets

Network: BYUtv

Original Air Date: May 12, 2021 at 1pm/12c.

Starring: Kim Shaw and Clayton James

Storyline: Brie Belanger is the maître fromager and owner of Brie’s Cheese, a cute artisan cheese shop located in picturesque Vermont. Looking to boost her business presence and sales, the town’s annual Cheese Festival arrives just in time with a $50,000 first-place prize. Up against her biggest competitor, Brie’s vintage smoked gouda is considered a frontrunner-so much so that Jacob Wolfe, a former chef and influential cheese blogger, approaches about profiling her delectable creation, leading their friendship to take a turn for romance. Complications arise when Matt Lambert, the handsome and charismatic new CEO of Lambert Farms (and Brie’s largest competitor) starts to show his interest in acquiring her shop. Racing against the clock and a disastrous power failure, Brie and Jacob must recreate a prize-worthy entry if she has any hope of keeping her shop and potentially winning more than she initially hoped for.


Review:

"I'm glad that I recorded it. Happily, what was missing was the bickering as in Christmas on the Menu. That was nice to see and with no back story to overcome." ~Namegirl



*If you miss this showing on BYUtv, you should also be able to watch via VOD on BYU's web-site - *click here*!

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*images via: Incendo Productions